iOS 26 Beta 5 is out (with these handy improvements for the iPhone)

Apple has released iOS 26 beta 5! With the new test version, major improvements come to the iPhone. Curious which those are? We put them under each other.

iOS 26 Beta 5

A new test version of iOS 26 is available again! Apple has released iOS 26 beta 5 for developers. Apple is implementing a series of improvements in the new software version. The new design of iOS 26 is visible in more places in the fifth test version. With iOS 26, Apple Liquid Glass brings to the operating system, making many elements transparent and seem to be made of glass. That is the case in beta 5 for more parts.

To integrate Liquid Glass even better in iOS 26, Apple has implemented a number of subtle changes. For example, the AirDrop symbol has been adjusted and the buttons are now also transparent when removing applications on the home screen. That’s not all, because the screen with the access code of your iPhone has also been renewed. We see the same animation in the iphone control panel. The buttons appear from iOS 26 beta 5 as follows:

Many new functions

With iOS 26, Apple brings many new functions to the iPhone. Almost every Apple application is expanded with features, with a number of apps even receiving a completely new layout. In some cases these changes require an explanation that Apple has added in iOS 26 beta 5. When you first open an Apple app in iOS 26, you will see a screen in which all new functions are explained.

In addition, Apple brings more small improvements to the iPhone with iOS 26 beta 5. For example, the notification that appears at a low battery percentage has been given a new design and the ‘selecting’ button has returned to the Mail app. In the control panel you can immediately see whether a WiFi network is protected, with secure networks a lock is now displayed. Another small adjustment can be found in the camera app. There you determine from iOS 26 in which direction you wipe over the screen to switch between camera functions.

Release of iOS 26

With iOS 26, Apple has improved 5 earlier functions and introduced more features. The test versions now follow each other quickly, because Apple is preparing the release of iOS 26. The final software version will be published in a few weeks, which will probably be at the beginning of September. That month, Apple presents the new iPhones from 2025 and comes out the most important updates of the year.

Are you curious when iOS 26 will come to your iPhone? Then read all about the expected release of iOS 26. In the meantime, all users can already get started with the latest software version, because Apple has released the first public beta. Where iOS 26 beta 5 is only intended for developers, all users can get started with the public test version. Here we explain how you can already install iOS 26 on your iPhone!